Meet Windows 365 Link, Microsoft's response to Apple's Mac Mini M4, but cheaper

Microsoft released Windows 365, a platform that lets employees securely stream their Windows desktop experience from the Microsoft Cloud to any device. To enhance this experience, the Redmond-based tech giant is introducing the new Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device built to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds, at the Microsoft Ignite 2024, as one of the conference’s highlights.

The Windows 365 Link is designed for users who want to take advantage of virtualization offerings delivered on an array of devices and benefit from highly responsive performance. The device is compact, lightweight, and engineered to boot in seconds. It also wakes users instantly from sleep, allowing them to get started quickly or pick up where they left off on their Cloud PC.

In a blog post, Microsoft says the Windows 365 Link supports a dual 4K monitor, four USB ports, an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring seamless connectivity with wired and wireless peripherals.

The device’s local processing capabilities enable high-performance video playback and conferencing, including high-fidelity Microsoft Teams meetings. For users collaborating with colleagues, presenting to clients, or watching a recording of a company town hall, the Windows 365 Link ensures smooth and responsive experiences.

Microsoft says the Windows 365 Link is built from the ground up to prioritize security. It features a locked-down operating system with no local data or apps and no local admin users. By eliminating local data, apps, and admin rights, the Windows 365 Link significantly reduces the attack surface, making it harder for malicious actors to compromise the device.

The device also provides passwordless authentication using Microsoft Entra ID. This enables users to sign in with multifactor authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app, a cross-device passkey using a QR code, or a FIDO USB security key. Features like Secure Boot, the dedicated Trusted Platform Module, Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint detection and response sensor can’t be turned off, further helping to secure the device.

The Windows 365 Link is designed with sustainability in mind. Its top shield is 90% post-consumer recycled aluminum alloy, its bottom plate is 100% pre-consumer recycled aluminum alloy, and its motherboard contains 100% recycled copper and 96% recycled tin solder.

The Windows 365 Link is now available to organizations as part of a preview program. General availability is planned to start in April 2025 at a price of $349. Microsoft says it’s working with a range of hardware partners to build more Cloud PC devices and plans to share more information in the future.

You can read more about it in the official blog post.